Turning 'destroyers' into eco 'guardians'

The 60-year-old defendant, surnamed Xu, stood in a district courtroom on the morning of July 22 with his head bowed, ready to receive his punishment.

He had been caught by coast guard officers last year using electrofishing gear during the closed fishing season, which runs annually from May 1 to Aug 16 in the Beibu Gulf waters off South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

After standing trial, the Gangkou District People's Court in Fangchenggang found Xu guilty of illegal fishing.

But instead of imposing a fine for ecological damage, it meted out an alternative punishment — 75 days of marine debris cleanup, eight hours per day. The ruling took into account his financial difficulties and a recent injury that required recovery time.

The designated cleanup site is along the shoreline near his home, making it easier for him to carry out the work while also allowing community members to supervise his efforts.

"I'm grateful the court considered my physical and financial difficulties and allowed me to atone through labor," Xu said after the ruling announcement.

"I've learned a profound lesson and will take marine conservation seriously, using my actions to make up for my mistakes."

His case reflects a broader shift in how courts across Guangxi are addressing environmental protection.

While punishment remains crucial, local judges are increasingly focusing on restoration and education, helping transform "destroyers" into "guardians". This approach aligns with China's forthcoming Ecological and Environmental Code, which takes effect on Aug 15 and actively encourages such alternative restoration methods.